Stereo type distance recognition apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A stereo type distance recognition apparatus and method are provided. The stereo type distance recognition apparatus may include a plurality of sensors to generate a plurality of infrared (IR) signals, a communication unit to insert a set first pattern into each of the plurality of generated IR signals and to transmit the IR signals to an object, and a processor to extract a second pattern from each of signals reflected from the object by the plurality of IR signals, to cancel an interference signal from each of the reflected signals based on a result of a comparison between the first pattern and the second pattern, and to compute a distance from the object based on signals from which the interference signal is cancelled.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/496,065, filed on Sep. 25, 2014, which claims priority to KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2013-0164708, filed on Dec. 27, 2013, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a stereo type distance recognitionapparatus and method that may compute a distance from an object based onsignals reflected from the object by a plurality of infrared (IR)signals.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a distance recognition scheme using infrared (IR) rays, a distancemay be accurately measured, compared to a distance recognition schemeusing ultrasonic waves.

However, since IR rays are included in visible rays under the sun orlightings, an existing IR sensor may receive a signal with interferencecaused by IR rays in visible rays from an object, which may cause anerror in computation of a distance from the object based on the signal.

Accordingly, there is a desire for a technology for more accuratelymeasuring a distance from an object.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present invention is to accurately measure a distancefrom an object, by transmitting a plurality of infrared (IR) signals tothe object, and by computing the distance based on a first signal and asecond signal reflected from the object by the IR signals.

Another aspect of the present invention is to more accurately measure adistance from an object, by inserting a first pattern into each of aplurality of IR signals, by transmitting the IR signals to the object,by extracting a second pattern from each of a first signal and a secondsignal reflected from the object by the IR signals, and by cancelling aninterference signal (for example, IR rays in visible rays) from thefirst signal and the second signal based on a result of comparing theextracted second pattern to the first pattern.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided astereo type distance recognition apparatus including: a plurality ofsensors to generate a plurality of IR signals; a communication unit toinsert a set first pattern into each of the plurality of generated IRsignals and to transmit the IR signals to an object; and a processor toextract a second pattern from each of signals reflected from the objectby the plurality of IR signals, to cancel an interference signal fromeach of the reflected signals based on a result of a comparison betweenthe first pattern and the second pattern, and to compute a distance fromthe object based on signals from which the interference signal iscancelled.

The processor may compare magnitudes of the reflected signals, and maycompute the distance based on a signal having a relatively highmagnitude.

The processor may compare loss rates of the reflected signals, and maycompute the distance, using a signal having a relatively low loss rate,based on a result of the comparing.

The processor may extract a same area from the reflected signals bycomparing the reflected signals, and may compute the distance based onthe extracted area.

The communication unit may insert different first patterns into theplurality of IR signals, respectively.

The processor may eliminate IR rays as the interference signal duringtransmission of the IR signals to the object and reflection of thesignals from the object. The IR rays may be emitted from the sun or alighting, and may be included in the reflected signals.

The communication unit may simultaneously transmit the IR signals to theobject.

The sensors may include a stereo type IR sensor to generate the IRsignals.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda stereo type distance recognition method, including: generating aplurality of IR signals; inserting a set first pattern into each of theplurality of generated IR signals and transmitting the IR signals to anobject; extracting a second pattern from each of signals reflected fromthe object by the plurality of IR signals; cancelling an interferencesignal from each of the reflected signals based on a result of acomparison between the first pattern and the second pattern; andcomputing a distance from the object, based on signals from which theinterference signal is cancelled.

Effect

According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible toaccurately measure by transmitting a plurality of infrared (IR) signalsto the object, and by computing the distance based on a first signal anda second signal reflected from the object by the IR signals.

Additionally, according to embodiments of the present invention, it ispossible to more accurately measure a distance from an object, byinserting a first pattern into each of a plurality of IR signals, bytransmitting the IR signals to the object, by extracting a secondpattern from each of a first signal and a second signal reflected fromthe object by the IR signals, and by cancelling an interference signal(for example, IR rays in visible rays) from the first signal and thesecond signal based on a result of comparing the extracted secondpattern to the first pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects, features, and advantages of the inventionwill become apparent and more readily appreciated from the followingdescription of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a concept of distance recognition in astereo type distance recognition apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a stereo typedistance recognition apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a stereo type distance recognitionmethod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elementsthroughout. Exemplary embodiments are described below to explain thepresent invention by referring to the figures.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a concept of distance recognition in astereo type distance recognition apparatus 101 according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus 101may transmit a plurality of infrared (IR) signals to an object 103, andmay receive signals reflected from the object 103 by the IR signals. Thestereo type distance recognition apparatus 101 may compute a distancefrom the object 103, based on the received signals.

The stereo type distance recognition apparatus 101 may compare a firstsignal and a second signal among the received signals, and may computethe distance based on a result of the comparing and a magnitude of eachof at least one of the first signal and the second signal, to accuratelymeasure the distance. In other words, the stereo type distancerecognition apparatus 101 may compute the distance based on a resultobtained by comparing the reflected signals and accordingly, thedistance may be accurately measured by reducing a loss error in thereceived signals.

Additionally, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus 101 maytransmit, to the object 103, the IR signals each having a first patternthat is inserted, and may easily cancel an interference signal in thereflected signals by comparing the first pattern with a second patternin each of the reflected signals. The interference signal may be, forexample, IR rays in visible rays. In other words, the stereo typedistance recognition apparatus 101 may eliminate an unnecessary signalfrom the reflected signals using a pattern and thus, it is possible toincrease accuracy in computing the distance based on the reflectedsignals.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a stereo typedistance recognition apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus 200may include a sensor 201, a pattern generator 203, a communication unit205, and a processor 207.

A plurality of sensors 201 may be provided to generate IR signals. Thesensors 201 may include, for example, a stereo type IR sensor togenerate a plurality of IR signals.

The pattern generator 203 may generate various patterns, and maytransfer a generated pattern to the communication unit 205 so that thegenerated pattern may be inserted into a signal to be transmitted.

The communication unit 205 may transmit the IR signals generated by thesensors 201 to an object of which a location is to be identified, andmay receive signals reflected from the object by the IR signals. Thereflected signals may be, for example, a first signal and a secondsignal.

The communication unit 205 may simultaneously transmit the IR signals tothe object. Accordingly, a plurality of signals reflected from theobject by the IR signals may be acquired in the same environment.

Additionally, the communication unit 205 may insert a set first patterninto each of the IR signals, and may transmit the IR signals to theobject. For example, the communication unit 205 may insert differentpatterns into the IR signals, respectively.

The processor 207 may compute a distance from the object, based on thereflected signals. The processor 207 may eliminate IR rays as aninterference signal during transmission of the IR signals to the objectand reflection of the signals from the object. The IR rays may beemitted from the sun or a lighting, and may be included in the reflectedsignals, for example, the first signal and the second signal.

The processor 207 may compare the first signal and the second signalamong the reflected signals, and may compute the distance, based on aresult of the comparing and a magnitude of each of at least one of thefirst signal and the second signal.

Additionally, the processor 207 may compare the first signal and thesecond signal, and may use either the first signal or the second signalbased on a result of the comparing, to compute the distance.

In an example, the processor 207 may compare a magnitude of the firstsignal and a magnitude of the second signal, and may compute thedistance, using a signal having a relatively high magnitude between thefirst signal and the second signal, based on a result of the comparing.

In another example, the processor 207 may compare a loss rate of thefirst signal and a loss rate of the second signal, and may compute thedistance, using a signal having a relatively low loss rate between thefirst signal and the second signal, based on a result of the comparing.In this example, the loss rate may indicate a difference between amagnitude of a signal transmitted to the object and a magnitude of asignal reflected from the object and received at the communication unit205.

In still another example, the processor 207 may extract a same area fromthe first signal and the second signal by comparing the first signal andthe second signal, and may compute the distance based on the extractedarea.

When the IR signals, each having the first pattern, are transmitted tothe object, the processor 207 may extract the second pattern from eachof the first signal and the second signal, and may cancel aninterference signal from each of the first signal and the second signalbased on a result of comparing the extracted second pattern to the firstpattern. Accordingly, a more accurate result value may be derived whencomputing the distance. The interference signal may be, for example, IRrays emitted from the sun or a lighting and included in the first signaland the second signal.

For example, the processor 207 may determine which one of the firstsignal and the second signal maintains a pattern inserted into each ofthe IR signals during transmission of the IR signals to the object, andmay compute the distance based on the determined signal. In other words,the processor 207 may compute the distance, based on the first signal orthe second signal that does not include an interference signal duringtransmission of the IR signals to the object and reflection of thesignals from the object.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a stereo type distance recognitionmethod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, in operation 301, a stereo type distancerecognition apparatus may generate a plurality of IR signals andtransmit the IR signals to an object. For example, the stereo typedistance recognition apparatus may generate a plurality of IR signals,using a stereo type IR sensor.

The stereo type distance recognition apparatus may simultaneouslytransmit the IR signals to the object.

Additionally, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus may inserta set first pattern into each of the IR signals, and may transmit the IRsignals to the object. The stereo type distance recognition apparatusmay insert different patterns into the IR signals, respectively.

In operation 303, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus mayreceive signals reflected from the object by the IR signals.

Additionally, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus mayeliminate IR rays as an interference signal during transmission of theIR signals to the object and reflection of the signals from the object.The IR rays may be emitted from the sun or a lighting, and may beincluded in the reflected signals, for example, a first signal and asecond signal

The interference signal may be included in the reflected signals, forexample a first signal and a second signal, and may be emitted from thesun or a lighting.

In operation 305, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus maycompute a distance from the object, based on the received signals.

The stereo type distance recognition apparatus may compare the firstsignal and the second signal among the reflected signals, and maycompute the distance, based on a result of the comparing and a magnitudeof each of at least one of the first signal and the second signal.

Additionally, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus may comparethe first signal and the second signal, and may use either the firstsignal or the second signal based on a result of the comparing, tocompute the distance.

In an example, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus maycompare a magnitude of the first signal and a magnitude of the secondsignal, and may compute the distance, using a signal having a relativelyhigh magnitude between the first signal and the second signal, based ona result of the comparing. In another example, the stereo type distancerecognition apparatus may compare a loss rate of the first signal and aloss rate of the second signal, and may compute the distance, using asignal having a relatively low loss rate between the first signal andthe second signal, based on a result of the comparing. In this example,the loss rate may indicate a difference between a magnitude of a signaltransmitted to the object and a magnitude of a signal reflected from theobject. In still another example, the stereo type distance recognitionapparatus may extract a same area from the first signal and the secondsignal by comparing the first signal and the second signal, and maycompute the distance based on the extracted area.

When the IR signals, each having the first pattern, are transmitted tothe object, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus may extractthe second pattern from each of the first signal and the second signal,and may cancel an interference signal from each of the first signal andthe second signal based on a result of comparing the extracted secondpattern to the first pattern. Accordingly, a more accurate result valuemay be derived when computing the distance. The interference signal maybe, for example, IR rays emitted from the sun or a lighting and includedin the first signal and the second signal.

For example, the stereo type distance recognition apparatus maydetermine which one of the first signal and the second signal maintainsa pattern inserted into each of the IR signals during transmission ofthe IR signals to the object, and may compute the distance based on thedetermined signal. In other words, the stereo type distance recognitionapparatus may compute the distance, based on the first signal or thesecond signal that does not include an interference signal duringtransmission of the IR signals to the object and reflection of thesignals from the object.

The units described herein may be implemented using hardware components,software components, or a combination thereof. For example, a processingdevice may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or specialpurpose computers, such as, for example, a processor, a controller andan arithmetic logic unit, a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, afield programmable array, a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor orany other device capable of responding to and executing instructions ina defined manner. The processing device may run an operating system (OS)and one or more software applications that run on the OS. The processingdevice also may access, store, manipulate, process, and create data inresponse to execution of the software. For purpose of simplicity, thedescription of a processing device is used as singular; however, oneskilled in the art will appreciated that a processing device may includemultiple processing elements and multiple types of processing elements.For example, a processing device may include multiple processors or aprocessor and a controller. In addition, different processingconfigurations are possible, such as parallel processors.

The software may include a computer program, a piece of code, aninstruction, or some combination thereof, for independently orcollectively instructing or configuring the processing device to operateas desired. Software and data may be embodied permanently or temporarilyin any type of machine, component, physical or virtual equipment,computer storage medium or device, or in a propagated signal wavecapable of providing instructions or data to or being interpreted by theprocessing device. The software also may be distributed over networkcoupled computer systems so that the software is stored and executed ina distributed fashion. In particular, the software and data may bestored by one or more non-transitory computer readable recordingmediums.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention may be recordedin non-transitory computer-readable media including program instructionsto implement various operations embodied by a computer. The media mayalso include, alone or in combination with the program instructions,data files, data structures, and the like. The program instructionsrecorded on the media may be those specially designed and constructedfor the purposes of the embodiments, or they may be of the kindwell-known and available to those having skill in the computer softwarearts. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media includemagnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape;optical media such as CD ROM disks and DVDs; magneto-optical media suchas optical discs; and hardware devices that are specially configured tostore and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM),random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and the like. Examples ofprogram instructions include both machine code, such as produced by acompiler, and files containing higher level code that may be executed bythe computer using an interpreter. The described hardware devices may beconfigured to act as one or more software modules in order to performthe operations of the above-described embodiments of the presentinvention, or vice versa.

Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, the present invention is not limited to thedescribed exemplary embodiments. Instead, it would be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that changes may be made to these exemplaryembodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of theinvention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stereo type distance recognition apparatus,comprising: a plurality of sensors configured to generate a plurality ofinfrared (IR) signals; a communication unit configured to insert a setfirst pattern into each of the plurality of generated IR signals and totransmit the IR signals to an object; and a processor configured toextract a second pattern from each of signals reflected from the objectby the plurality of IR signals, to cancel an interference signal fromeach of the reflected signals based on a result of a comparison betweenthe first pattern and the second pattern, and to compute a distance fromthe object based on signals from which the interference signal iscancelled.
 2. The stereo type distance recognition apparatus of claim 1,wherein the processor is configured to compare magnitudes of thereflected signals, and to compute the distance based on a signal havinga relatively high magnitude based on a result of the comparing.
 3. Thestereo type distance recognition apparatus of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is configured to compare loss rates of the reflected signals,and to compute the distance, using a signal having a relatively low lossrate, based on a result of the comparing.
 4. The stereo type distancerecognition apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured toextract a same area from the reflected signals by comparing thereflected signals, and to compute the distance based on the extractedarea.
 5. The stereo type distance recognition apparatus of claim 1,wherein the communication unit is configured to insert different firstpatterns into the plurality of IR signals, respectively.
 6. The stereotype distance recognition apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor isconfigured to eliminate IR rays as the interference signal duringtransmission of the IR signals to the object and reflection of thesignals from the object, the IR rays being emitted from the sun or alighting and included in the reflected signals.
 7. A stereo typedistance recognition method, comprising: generating a plurality ofinfrared (IR) signals; inserting a set first pattern into each of theplurality of generated IR signals and transmitting the IR signals to anobject; extracting a second pattern from each of signals reflected fromthe object by the plurality of IR signals; cancelling an interferencesignal from each of the reflected signals based on a result of acomparison between the first pattern and the second pattern; andcomputing a distance from the object, based on signals from which theinterference signal is cancelled.
 8. The stereo type distancerecognition method of claim 7, wherein the inserting comprises insertingdifferent first patterns into the plurality of IR signals, respectively.9. The stereo type distance recognition method of claim 7, wherein thecancelling comprises eliminating IR rays as the interference signalduring transmission of the IR signals to the object and reflection ofthe signals from the object, the IR rays being emitted from the sun or alighting and included in the reflected signals.